1. Zero thrust velocity vector control for interstellar probes - lorentz force navigation and circling
2. A.A. Bolonkin, "Simple Space Nuclear Reactive Motors and Electric Generators Running on Radioactive Substances", IAF Preprint 92-0573. [This brief three-page paper is devoid of equations, References, or technical details. The figures look like patent drawings, which could explain the lack of detail. There also seem to be some technical errors. (a) In some designs, conductive nets biased +5 MV with respect to the radioisotope metal film are used to repel the forward-going alpha particles. Realistically, it is probably not feasible to maintain a 5 megavolt potential over the short distances between the conductive net and the radioisotope metal layer without experiencing breakdown or serious current leakage due to the conductivity of the ion plasma existing in space. (b) The plastic film dimensions mentioned, of 20-30 pm (mkm in the
3. Dwight E. Gray, American Institute of Phvsics Handbook, 3rd Edition (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1972). [See Table 8b-1, pp.8-8to 8-91 for list of radioisotopes, and Fig. 8i-2, p. 8-295 for alpha particle ranges.]